This season there has been a delightful new addition at my CSA- fresh chamomile flowers! I haven’t seen many people taking them, and since they make such delicious tea, I can only guess that people don’t know how to make chamomile tea with fresh flowers. I had to do some reading and experimenting myself, but found that it’s quite easy to make. The reward is nothing like dried chamomile. It sweeter, without the hint of bitterness that many dried teas have. It also has fruity, apple undertones that I’ve never tasted in chamomile before.
During my most recent visit at my CSA it was an unusually chilly day and it started pouring while I was picking flowers and herbs. Naturally I couldn’t help but make this cup of tea when I got home. I enjoyed it so much that I couldn’t help sharing this recipe with you, and perhaps these flowers will have a place in my own garden next season!
So, whether you’re a passionate tea drinker, or whether your want to try something new, if you have the opportunity, fresh chamomile tea is worth a try!
- 3-4 Tbsp fresh chamomile flowers
- 1 small, fresh sprig of mint
- 8 oz boiling water
- First you'll want to pick a pot to make your tea in. An infuser teapot, as pictured, is ideal. If you don't have a tea infuser, you can use a doubled over cheese cloth and a piece of string to make a makeshift tea bag. You can even place your flowers into a heat safe bowl or cup and, after steeping, pour your tea into your teacup through a fine mesh strainer.
- Once you've selected a pot you'll want to harvest your herbs. For the chamomile flowers, it's ideal to use them the same day they are harvested, as the delicate petals have a short shelf life. Otherwise, they can last a couple of days in the refrigerator, in a plastic bag with a lightly dampened paper towel. To prepare the chamomile for use, pop the head of the flower off the stem. They can even be harvested this way, so that they are immediately ready for use. For the mint, select a small sprig about the size of a quarter off of the tender top of the plant. I selected a variety of mint called apple mint because fresh chamomile also has apple undertones, so they complemented each other perfectly. Peppermint is also delicious.
- Fill up your tea kettle with 8 oz of water and begin heating. Place 3-4 Tbsp (4 for a stronger tea) of chamomile and your mint sprig into your teapot or makeshift teabag of choice.
- Pour 8 oz of boiling water over the chamomile flowers and mint and then steep for 5 minutes. To serve, pour into a teacup, using a fine mesh strainer as needed.
This is such a cool idea! I love this! I have never made my own tea using fresh flowers, but after reading this post, it’s something I have to try! Beautiful photos too!
Thanks Kathleen! Speaking from experience, I recommend “unplugging” from the blogging world for a few minutes and enjoying your cup of tea on a patio or deck while listening to the birds. It’s great stress relief!
Chamomile is one of my favorites. I’ve never had the pleasure of experiencing fresh chamomile made with chamomile blossoms I’ve picked myself. Have to say I’m a little bit jealous. Your pictures are delightful! And that clear teapot was just made for something as beautiful as this.
Thanks Amy. What a nice complement! I hope you can enjoy some fresh tea soon!
im so happy i found you too..and i love the flavor of chamomile so tea would be delightful. will be coming back for more posts 🙂
Thanks Dixya!
I love to drink this tea right before bed – and now I can make it from scratch, thanks!
No problem Sue! It really is far more flavorful and aromatic than the dried version. I hope you enjoy it and have sweet dreams!
First, I love your food photography – so gorgeous and eye-pleasing! I am an avid tea drinker but never thought of making homemade chamomile – now I think I should!
Thanks Abby! I’m blushing from the photo compliment! If you give homemade chamomile tea a try, let me know how it turns out!
OMG is this the most prettiest tea ever!
Awe… Thanks Sara!
Hi,
Great post and amazing idea. You’ve inspired me to grow my own chamomile now. Only one question, I don’t suppose you know if there are any particular species of chamomile that are better for tea than others or on the flipside any that may be toxic to humans?
Thanks,
Dave
Hi Dave! You know, I really don’t know the answer to that. I have the benefit of getting my chamomile from a crop share I buy every season. It’s awesome because weekly I have access to an entire garden of herbs that I may pick from as I wish that I don’t have to tend. I’ve seen chamomile for sale at our local greenhouse, and there is some that are sold with the edible herbs, so that might be a good place to start. If you’re in the market for seeds, try out this link http://www.seedsavers.org/onlinestore/Herbs/Herb-Chamomile-German-OG.html
Just tried to make this from the chamomile I planted in my garden this year. I love the smell of the fresh chamomile plants and leaves. The first steep of the flowers may have been left a bit too long as it was a little bitter tasting, but I did a second steep and it was very nice indeed, the mint is a great addition. Now I should be dozing off soon…
Hey Kori! If you’re not too busy snoozing thanks for letting me know how the chamomile tea worked for you. How wonderful that you have it in your garden this year! Fresh chamomile tastes nothing like dry… it’s so much more lovely. I’m sure you will be enjoying many a cup of delicious tea and relaxing naps this season. 😉
Wow. Those are beautiful photos!!!
Thanks! The pretty little chamomile flowers were inspiring.